New partnership connects designer-makers with tomorrow's creative talent

Creative businesses and independent makers will have new opportunities to connect with emerging design talent as De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) launches a strategic partnership with Design-Nation.

Design-Nation, a network of more than 350 contemporary makers and designers, will work with DMU’s internationally-recognised School of Design Innovation to support students, strengthen links with the creative sector and create opportunities for collaboration between education and industry.

The partnership has been announced on the eve of New Designers, the UK’s largest show of creative graduate talent begins in London with DMU among the universities exhibiting.

Stuart Lawson, Deputy Head of the School of Design Innovation at De Montfort University, said: "We are delighted to formally establish this partnership with Design-Nation.

“There is a strong shared ambition to nurture creative talent, encourage innovation and create impactful opportunities for students and practitioners. We look forward to developing an exciting programme of collaborative activity together."

Design-Nation members have visited DMU to review final-year student portfolios, offering professional feedback and industry insight, and presented awards at last week’s Degree Show with Head of School, Carolyn Hardaker. 

Thanks to the new partnership students will have greater access to experienced professionals across a range of creative industries, helping them build their networks, develop their portfolios and better understand careers in the contemporary craft and design sector.

For creative businesses, designers and makers, the partnership will create opportunities to identify emerging talent, influence future skills and build closer links with one of the UK's leading design schools.

Clare Edwards, Director of Design-Nation, said: "Design-Nation is passionate about supporting creative talent and building meaningful connections across the craft and design sector. We're thrilled to be partnering with De Montfort University to create new opportunities for students, graduates and our members, while helping shape the future of contemporary craft and design practice."

Plans include:

• specialist continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities for Design-Nation members, designed in collaboration with members
• opportunities for practising makers and designers to develop new skills and creative techniques using DMU's specialist facilities
• a proposed Maker-in-Residence scheme, enabling creative practitioners to develop new work at DMU while sharing their expertise with students
• guest lectures, mentoring and portfolio reviews from industry professionals
• live industry projects and creative collaborations 

DMU and Design-Nation has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) which provides a framework for the two organisations to work together over the coming years.

This agreement will create opportunities for Design-Nation members to develop their creative practice through access to specialist facilities and professional development, while giving DMU students greater access to industry expertise, mentoring and real-world experience.